Pompeo In Mexico Friday As Migrant Caravan Approaches Border

Pompeo In Mexico Friday As Migrant Caravan Approaches Border

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is meeting with officials in Mexico City Friday, as thousands of migrants continue trekking toward the U.S.-Mexico border. The caravan — which started its journey in Honduras on Oct.

12 with about 160 people — now consists of at least 3,000 individuals. The Associated Press reported most of the migrants made it to a town on the Guatemala-Mexico border by Thursday evening.

In preparation for their arrival, the Mexican government reportedly sent hundreds of federal police officers to step up security on its side of the border. Mexico is seeking assistance from the United Nations refugee agency to help identify which migrants have legitimate asylum claims. Individuals will need to apply for refugee status if they don't have the proper travel documents allowing them to enter the country. This stepped up enforcement came the same day President Donald Trump threatened to close the U.S.'s border with Mexico over the caravan.

He's also threatened to cut aid to Central American countries that allow the migrants to pass.